Asphalt Velocity

Slipping through the gap beneath the garden gate brought me onto unfamiliar terrain: coarse, dark asphalt extending in an unbroken line. The textured surface offered far superior traction compared to garden flagstones. I took three paces back, evaluated the gradient, and leaned forward into an explosive sprint. The friction gripped my skates perfectly, channeling raw acceleration down the alley. Ahead, a flattened soda can lay discarded beside a brick footing. Without breaking velocity, I cut hard to the left, carving an arc around the metal obstacle and coming to a controlled halt on both heels. The open lane is cleared for full maneuvers.